GREENWICH, CONN. – JustinTime Baseball hosted a youth baseball clinic on January 31. The clinic promotes player development, mentorship, and community impact, and featured special guest Oswaldo Cabrera, whose presence elevated the day into a meaningful and memorable experience for every young athlete in attendance.
Building the Game the Right Way: JustinTime Baseball Programs
JustinTime Baseball offers a comprehensive lineup of programs designed to meet young athletes where they are in their baseball journey. Their offerings include private lessons, small-group instruction, team training, clinics, and camps, all emphasizing strong fundamentals, confidence-building, and individualized development. Beyond mechanics, JustinTime Baseball places a strong focus on mindset, work ethic, and love for the game, fostering an environment where players can grow both on and off the field.
Event sponsors included: VEG, Chestnut Market, Beau Monde Builders, American Legends, Let’s Go Trivia, Di Paterio Contracting, Slide MVP, and Cross River Dental.
A Big-League Commitment: Oswaldo Cabrera Gives Back
Cabrera’s dedication to the clinic spoke volumes. Originally scheduled to fly to Tampa on Saturday night to begin his Spring Training preparations, Cabrera made the decision to cancel his flight so he could be present for the kids. Throughout the clinic, he moved station to station, working one-on-one with players, offering hands-on instruction, encouragement, and genuine enthusiasm. Whether correcting footwork or lifting spirits, Cabrera made sure every child felt seen and supported.
“Oswaldo is a special person. Amazing connection with each child, truly a talented teacher and leader for youth. He’s more than just a big leaguer. He has a way of touching the hearts of all.” – Justin Sherman, JustinTime Baseball Founder
Lessons Beyond the Diamond: Q&A and Team-First Mentality
The clinic concluded with a Q&A session that allowed the kids to ask Cabrera questions ranging from what it’s like to play in the MLB to who his favorite teammate is and what his favorite moment of his career has been so far. True to his reputation as one of the game’s ultimate team players, Cabrera’s answer to that final question was not about a personal achievement. Instead, he reflected on being part of Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run in 2022, emphasizing what that historic moment meant to Judge and the entire Yankees clubhouse. After the formal clinic ended, Cabrera stayed behind to sign autographs and take photos with every single child, and even many parents and staff members, ensuring no one left without a lasting memory.
Resilience and Return: Looking Ahead to 2026
Cabrera’s presence at the clinic carried added significance given what he endured last season and the role he was carving out prior to his injury. On May 12, 2025, during an 11–5 victory over the Seattle Mariners, Cabrera suffered a severe left ankle injury while scoring on a sacrifice fly. As he slid into home plate, his ankle became trapped underneath him, resulting in immediate and visible pain. Medical trainers from both teams rushed to his side, and the gravity of the moment was evident as several Yankees players crowded around the scene, including Aaron Judge. Cabrera was stabilized with a brace and an air cast before being transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
At the time of the injury, Cabrera had appeared in 34 games and was batting .243 with a .322 on-base percentage, collecting 26 hits and scoring 17 runs. His production, paired with his defensive versatility and energy, had made him an increasingly valuable piece of the Yankees’ roster. He was subsequently placed on the injured list with a fractured left ankle that required surgery, along with associated ligament damage addressed during the reconstruction process.
Despite the seriousness of the injury, Cabrera’s recovery has progressed exceptionally well. Following successful surgery and an extensive rehabilitation program, he is expected to be ready for Opening Day 2026, a welcome development for both the Yankees organization and its fan base. His return will help fill a notable void from the Yankees’ 2025 bench, where the team often lacked a player with Cabrera’s versatility. Widely respected for his professionalism and work ethic, Cabrera’s impact extends beyond statistics, a presence that was deeply missed throughout the clubhouse and one that is expected to be felt immediately upon his return.
